Portable radio receiver with an identification module

ABSTRACT

The portable radio receiver ( 4 ) with which programs of a central radio sender ( 1 ) can be received comprises an identification module ( 40 ) in which user-specific data are stored as well as a contactless interface ( 41 ) over which a radio connection can be established with external devices at close range in order to send said user-specific data to these external devices.

[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT application N°PCT/CH99/00300 filed Jul. 6, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention concerns a portable radio receiver that canbe used both for receiving multimedia data, for example an entertainmentprogram, and as identification vis-a-vis external devices.

RELATED ART

[0003] As identification module, for example for public transportation,for ski lifts, for theaters or cinemas, different kinds of contactlessidentification modules have already been proposed. It is for examplealready known to integrate an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)element into a chip-card or a wristwatch. User identification data, forexample the user number, and authorization data, for example anauthorization purchased for certain services, are stored in the RFIDelement. Appropriate readers at the places of use, for example at thedoors of public transportation vehicles, can access these datacontactlessly and, if appropriate, provide the service, for example openthe vehicle's door, and possibly bill this service.

[0004] A disadvantage of this kind of identification module is thatthere is no easy and convenient method for downloading new data, forexample a new authorization, or new programs, for example new functionsor new services, in an identification module. The user must in mostcases personally go with his module to a counter and to a machine inorder to copy new data into his module. This strongly restricts thepossible uses of such identification modules. Another disadvantage isthat service providers have no easy means of blocking a certainidentification module, for example if the module is stolen or after afraudulent act. The blocking can only occur when the module is insertedinto a corresponding device.

[0005] SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) cards for mobiletelephones having also a contactless interface are already known. Inthis manner, the mobile network user identification stored in the cardcan also be used to identify the user vis-a-vis external devices. Newdata can be downloaded over the mobile radio channel. Such a datatransmission occurs however through the establishment of a payableconnection or a SMS transmission, and with a limited bandwidth, so thatthis solution is not adapted for all purposes.

[0006] It is an aim of the present invention to propose a new andimproved identification module.

[0007] In particular, it is an aim of this invention to propose a newidentification module in which data from a remote sender, for exampledata from a service provider, can be downloaded and in whichuser-specific data are stored that can be transmitted over a contactlessinterface to external devices at short range (up to several meters).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to the present invention, these aims are achieved inparticular through the characteristics of the independent claims.Further advantageous embodiments are moreover described in the dependentclaims and in the description.

[0009] In particular, these aims of the invention are achieved throughthe identification module having a contactless interface and beingintegrated in a portable radio receiver. If the radio receiver is adigital radio receiver, for example a DAB or DVB radio receiver, newdata and/or programs can then be downloaded in the identification moduleas program-accompanying data. The identification module can furthermorebe used to receive and reproduce a radio program, for example anentertainment program or program-accompanying Internet data.

[0010] The contactless radio interface allows a data transmission overshort distances (so-called “short distance wireless RF transmission”),typically up to several meters. It preferably uses a standardizedprotocol and standardized frequencies. In this manner, different radioreceivers can communicate over this channel with one another or withother devices, for example with palmtops, laptops, external printers,mobile telephones etc. For example, the radio receiver comprises acontactless interface according to the Bluetooth or HomeRF standard. Ina variant embodiment, the radio receiver comprises a RFID elementoperating according to a known RFID protocol.

[0011] Patent document GB2313981 describes a DAB (Digital AudioBroadcasting) radio receiver combined with a mobile radio part (GSMreceiver). The device can thus receive data, in particular Internetdata, as well as DAB program-accompanying data, and has a reverse GSMchannel in order to send data in the other direction. It is however notplanned to provide the receiver with an identification module and with acontactless interface for close range.

[0012] EP804012 describes a DAB receiver that is connected over a localinterface (RS232, infrared or radio) with a mobile device. This devicecan however not send user-specific data to external devices at closerange and can thus not be used as identification element vis-a-visexternal devices at close range.

[0013] EP732813 describes a FM radio receiver with a chip-card in whichuser-specific data are stored. The receiver includes no contactlessinterface at close range and can thus also not be used as identificationelement.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the identification module includesbiometric parameters of the user of the identification module. Forexample, the module includes a photograph of the user that can betransmitted over the contactless interface. In this manner, a controllercan check whether the user of the identification module is indeed therightful owner.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the radio receiver is miniaturized andintegrated for example in-a-chip-card, in a wristwatch, in a key ring,in a mobile telephone or in a component of a mobile telephone (set ofbatteries, replaceable module etc.).

[0016] The identification module preferably comprises input means, forexample a keyboard and/or a touch screen, with which data can beentered. Chip-cards with a keyboard are described among others in patentapplication EP0813171. In this manner, confirmations to debit a moneyaccount can be entered and forwarded over said contactless interface.Certain identification modules, for example stolen ones, can also beblocked in this way.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be describedhereafter in more detail with the aid of the attached drawings, inwhich:

[0018]FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of an identification module, inthis embodiment in the form of a portable radio receiver.

[0019]FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the radio receiver.

[0020]FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic view of an identification module, inthis embodiment in the form of a wristwatch.

[0021]FIG. 4 shows a diagrammatic view of a system in which the radioreceiver according to the invention can be used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022]FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically a radio receiver 4 according to theinvention, in this example accommodated in a larger housing 42, in whichan identification module 40 with user-specific data is integrated. Theradio receiver comprises reception means (not represented, N° 46 in FIG.2) with which an analog or digital radio program of a remote sender canbe received, and-reproduction means 400 in order to reproduce-thisprogram. In the represented example, the reproduction means 400 consistonly of a loudspeaker and of a simple liquid crystal display. The radioreceiver could however have a better matrix screen, for example a LCDand/or preferably a VRD (Virtual Retina Display) with which animatedimages and WEB pages can be represented. In a preferred embodiment ofthe invention, the radio receiver is a DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting)or DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) receiver that can also receive andreproduce visually and/or acoustically multimedia data, includingmotionless and animated images, applets, sound, hypertext documentsetc., for example as program-accompanying data.

[0023] The radio receiver additionally has input means 401, for examplesimple keys as in the represented example, a so-called touch-screen thatis operated with a pen, a microphone with a speech-analyzing program,and/or a device for determining the position of the eye. With theseinput means, the user can control the reception of radio programs andthe communication with external devices. The radio receiver 42furthermore has its own energy supply means (not represented), forexample a battery or solar cells.

[0024] The radio receiver 42 can be used as means of identification andauthorization in order to access various services with external devicesat close range. This description shows in detail the example of thechecking of tickets in a public transportation vehicle, although theradio receiver according to the invention can also be used to authorizethe access to other services, for example admission tickets for cinemas,theaters, exhibitions etc., for checking driver's licenses, for skilifts etc.

[0025] According to the invention, the radio receiver 42 includes acontactless interface 41 over which a radio connection at close range(typically up to a maximum of 20 meters) can be established. Thecontactless interface comprises preferably a chip 41, for example a RFIDchip, and an antenna 410. The chip comprises a radio part and dataprocessing means and can send and receive data in a defined frequencyrange, for example in an ISM (Industrial Scientific and MedicalApplications) range or in a frequency range between 2.4 to 2.5 GHz.Depending on the frequency used, the antenna 410 can also be integratedin the chip or consist of a wound coil.

[0026] The identification module 40 consists for example of a removablechip-card, for example a SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card. Inthis manner, for example an authorization, for example a ticket, can besold in the form of a chip-card that the users need only insert intotheir terminal. Alternatively, user-specific data can also be stored ina secured storage area (virtual SIM card) of the radio receiver 4.

[0027] The user-specific data stored in the identification module 40include for example the user's identification and authorization data.The user's identification data comprise preferably the user's identity,for example his name and/or user number. If the identification module 40can also be used as a SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card in amobile radio network, the user's identity can also consist of his IMSI(international Mobile Subscriber Identification) number. In a variantembodiment, the identification data comprise also biometric parametersof the user, for example a photograph, voice parameters, iris and/orretina parameters, a finger print etc. With these biometric parameters,it can be reliably determined whether the user of the identificationmodule is also the rightful owner.

[0028] Depending on the application, the authorization data can includedifferent types of data. If the identification module 40 is used foridentifying passengers in public transportation, the authorization datacomprise for example the type and validity of the user's ticket orseason ticket, his seat bookings, possible blocking data if the seasonticket has been blocked etc.

[0029] The contactless interface 41 preferably allows a bi-directionaldata transfer with external devices. Preferably, a standardized protocolis used for this interface, for example the Bluetooth or HomeRFstandard, so as to make possible a communication with standardizedterminals 42. The contactless interface 41 can however also consist of aRFID (Radio Frequency Identification) element. According to theembodiment, the radio receiver 42 has its own energy supply means, forexample a battery or solar cell, or can be powered by external devices.

[0030]FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of a radio receiver 4according to the invention. The radio receiver includes control elements401, reproduction means 400, a radio part 46, data processing means 47,an identification module 40 and a contactless interface 41 with anantenna 410 for contactless data transmission at close range.Identification and authorization data are stored in a storage area 400of the identification module 40; these data can be read resp. modifiedwith the control elements 401, with program-accompanying data receivedby the radio part 46 and/or by an external device over the contactlessinterface. In the framework of this invention, other components can alsobe integrated in the radio receiver 4, for example alocation-determining receiver, for example a GPS receiver, and/or aradio part, for example a GSM or UMTS mobile radio part.

[0031] The data processing means 47 can preferably process or executedata, applets or other programs received by the radio part 46, andcontrol correspondingly the functions of the identification module 40and of the communication part 41. Preferably, the identification module40 also has its own data processing means with which it can processreceived data and programs. In this manner, for example newauthorizations or modifications in the identification data can bedownloaded.

[0032] The data processing means preferably include a filter, forexample a software filter. With this filter, selected data in thereceived data flood can be filtered and then processed. The filter canpreferably be set by the user according to his interest and taste.Preferably, at least one service provider, for example the serviceprovider who has provided the identification module 40, can also set thefilter. The filter allows for example for personal messages to be sentin broadcast mode to all recipients but-to be received, stored andpossibly processed only by the recipient indicated in the message. Inthis manner, for example blocking data for blocking a certain or a listof identification modules can be sent by a central sender, for example aDAB sender. These blocking data are received by all recipients, but onlyretained by the filters in the designated modules, so that authorizationdata can be blocked in certain radio receivers addressed.

[0033] If the radio receiver includes location-determining means, forexample a GPS receiver, the filter function can preferably depend on theuser's current location. In this manner, a broadcast sender sending datain all directions can send location-dependent information andprogram-accompanying data.

[0034] The user-specific data stored in the identification module 40preferably comprise the user's identification data, for example hisname, his user number of, if the module can also be used as a SIM cardfor a mobile telephone, his IMSI (International Mobile SubscriberIdentification) number. In a preferred embodiment, the user'sidentification data additionally comprise an electronic certificate withwhich sent messages can be signed. With this certificate, data codedwith an asymmetrical encryption algorithm can be transmitted to serviceproviders and external devices without security risk.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the identificationdata include biometric parameters of the user, for example a photographof the user. The user of an external device, for example a ticketcontroller in a train, can access these data over the contactlessinterface, for example he can have the stored photograph of the userdisplayed to him and can thus check whether the user of the radioreceiver is also the rightful owner of the identification module.

[0036] The user-specific data can comprise authorization data, forexample the authorization for using an external device. Depending on theapplication, the authorization data can include different types of data.If the identification module 40 is used for identifying passengers inpublic transportation, the authorization data comprise for example thetype and validity of the user's ticket or season ticket, his seatbookings, possible blocking data for blocking a certain authorization inthe identification module etc.

[0037]FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the invention, in which theradio receiver is integrated in a wristwatch 43. In this case, the radioreceiver has only limited controls, for example a limited number ofkeys, and simple reproduction means, for example a LCD or VRD (notrepresented), with which the data and program-accompanying data receivedover the radio part 46 can be reproduced. The identification module 40is preferably devised as storage area in the data processing means (notrepresented); the contactless interface consists for example of a RFIDchip 41 with an antenna 410 in the watch case, in the wristband or inthe bezel.

[0038] In a variant embodiment of the invention (not represented), theradio receiver could also be integrated in a chip-card or in anotherportable and electrically autonomous device, for example in a palmtop,in a laptop, in a key ring etc.

[0039]FIG. 4 shows by way of example a diagrammatic view of a system inwhich the radio receiver 4 according to the invention can be used. Theradio receiver 4 with an identification module 40 can in this systemreceive data, for example program-accompanying data, from an externalsender, for example from a DAB or DVB sender 1 (arrow a), the sender 1comprising transmission means 11 and program-preparing means 10. Theradio receiver 4 has a contactless interface 41 over which it cancommunicate at close range (typically up to 20 meters) with externaldevices 2 (arrow b). The interface preferably uses a standardizedinterface, for example a Bluetooth, HomeRF or RFID interface, so thatthe radio receiver can communicate with a plurality of differentexternal devices of various types. Some of these devices can also have aradio part with which they can receive data-from the sender 1 (arrow c).

[0040] The external device also has a contactless interface 31 and dataprocessing means 20, in the represented example a computer. The externaldevice can be portable and be used for example by a ticket controller ina public transportation vehicle in order to check the passengers'identity and authorization. In another variant embodiment, the externaldevice consists of a computer 20 in a vehicle, connected over a data bus(not represented) with a plurality of transceivers in the vehicle, sothat the computer 20 can access the user-specific data of all passengersin the vehicle.

[0041] The external device 2 can comprise another communication part,for example a mobile radio part, over which it can exchange data in bothdirections with other devices, among others with the server 10 of thesender 1 (arrow d).

1. Portable radio receiver, with which programs of a central radiosender can be received, comprising: an identification module in whichuser-specific data are stored, a contactless interface over which aradio connection can be established with external devices at close rangein order to send said user-specific data to these external devices. 2.The portable radio receiver of claim 1, wherein the identificationmodule is in the form of a removable chip-card.
 3. The portable radioreceiver of claim 1, wherein the identification module is in the form ofa storage area with appropriate data processing means.
 4. The portableradio receiver of claim 1, wherein it can receive program-accompanyingdata that can be processed by said identification module.
 5. Theportable radio receiver of claim 4, wherein it can receive DABprogram-accompanying data.
 6. The portable radio receiver of claim 4,wherein it can receive DVB program-accompanying data.
 7. The portableradio receiver of claim 4, wherein said data processing means canexecute applets and/or programs that are contained in saidprogram-accompanying data.
 8. The portable radio receiver of claim 1,wherein said contactless interface comprises a RFID element.
 9. Theportable radio receiver of claim 1, wherein said contactless interfaceis a Bluetooth interface.
 10. The portable radio receiver of claim 1,wherein said contactless interface is a HomeRF interface.
 11. Theportable radio receiver of one claim 1, wherein said user-specific datacomprise identification data of the user.
 12. The portable radioreceiver of claim 11, wherein said identification data comprise anelectronic certificate of the user.
 13. The portable radio receiver ofclaim 11, wherein said identification data comprise an image of theuser.
 14. The portable radio receiver of claim 11, wherein saididentification data comprise biometric parameters of the user.
 15. Theportable radio receiver of claim 1, wherein said user-specific datacomprise authorization data of the user for using said external devices.16. The portable radio receiver of claim 15, wherein said authorizationdata can be modified with program-accompanying data.
 17. The portableradio receiver of claim 16, wherein said authorization data concern theuse of public transportation.
 18. The portable radio receiver of claim1, wherein it comprises location-determining means.
 19. The portableradio receiver of claim 18, wherein said location-determining means candetermine the location from satellite signals.
 20. The portable radioreceiver of claim 19, wherein said location-determining means comprise aGPS receiver.
 21. The portable radio receiver of claim 4, wherein itcomprises a data filter for program-accompanying data.
 22. The portableradio receiver of claim 21, wherein said data filter is dependent on theuser's location.
 23. The portable radio receiver of claim 20, whereinsaid data filter can be set by the user.
 24. The portable radio receiverof one of the claims 1 to 23, wherein it comprises a mobile radiocommunication part.
 25. The portable radio receiver of claim 24, whereinsaid mobile radio communication part comprises a GSM receiver.
 26. Theportable radio receiver of claim 24, wherein said mobile radiocommunication part comprises a UMTS receiver.
 27. The portable radioreceiver of claim 1, comprising an additional storage area in whichblocking data downloaded over said radio receiver can be stored.
 28. Theportable radio receiver of claim 1, comprising visual reproductionmeans.
 29. The portable radio receiver of claim 28, comprising VRDreproduction means.
 30. The portable radio receiver of claim 1, in theform of a chip-card.
 31. The portable radio receiver of claim 1, in theform of a wristwatch.
 32. Portable digital audio broadcasting receiver,comprising: a storage area in which user-specific data are stored, acontactless interface over which a radio connection can be establishedwith external devices at close range in order to send said user-specificdata to these external devices, means for storing DABprogram-accompanying data in said storage area.
 33. Use of a portableradio receiver of claim 1 as identification module for traffictelematics applications.
 34. Method for administrating from a centralplace the authorization of a plurality of users, comprising: sendingauthorization data in broadcast mode as program-accompanying data,receiving these authorization data in portable radio receivers withwhich the users are provided, each radio receiver being equipped with anidentification module, filtering the authorization data concerning theuser of a radio receiver in a filter in the radio receiver, storing theauthorization data in the radio receiver.